Mahler: Complete Symphonies (RCO Live)
A limited edition set that gives a fine overview of the RCO’s distinguished Mahler tradition [JQ]
Verdi: Macbeth (C Major)
A mediocre staging of Verdi’s first Shakespearean opera [DHa]
Vaughan Williams: Mass in G and other works (Hyperion)
Strongly committed accounts of both familiar and less familiar Vaughan Williams [CT]
Ysaÿe: Six Sonatas for Solo Violin (Oehms Classics)
Schmid brings youth, enterprise and occasional idiosyncrasy to these sonatas [JW]
Orchestral Anthems Vol. 2 (Delphian)
A second volume matches the high quality of the first – sensitive performances beautifully recorded [NB]
Rachmaninoff: Symphony 1 & Symphonic dances (Chandos)
Flawed by an unidiomatic account of the symphony [RMay]
G Williams: The Parlour (Lyrita)
A historic recording of Grace Williams’ unique opera [PH]
Bartók: Viola Concerto & 44 Duos (First Hand Records)
One of the very finest recordings of the concerto [PBW]
Schoenberg: Complete Works for Violin and Piano (BIS)
(Déjà Review) A valuable and involving musical experience that far outreaches the purely musicological [CC]
Rossini: Otello (Opera Rara)
(Déjà Review) A natural aural ambience tells in its favour as does the liveliness and vibrancy of the chorus [RJF]
Gernsheim: Concertos (cpo)
Fascinating, unduly neglected repertoire, very well performed and recorded [JWe]
Rudolph Ganz (conductor): Complete St. Louis Symphony Recordings (Pristine Audio)
Rudolph Ganz pilots the Spirit of St Louis and plays the piano in solos [JW]
Sumera: Symphonies 1 & 6 (Ondine)
A fine Estonian orchestra begins a survey of the symphonies of one of Estonia’s native sons [PH]
Jörg Demus (piano): The Dresden Concerts 1962-1972 (Meloclassics)
A multi-faceted pianist in repertoire close to his heart [RCh]
Brian: Complete Choral Songs Vol. 1 (Toccata Classics)
A lovingly presented collection – the unknown or underappreciated aspects of Havergal Brian’s work [NB]
Mendelssohn & Bruch: Violin Concerti (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) For Menuhin aficionados these long-unavailable recordings will be self-recommending [CH]
Howells: Choral Music (Hyperion)
(Déjà Review) An outstanding survey of part of Howells’ enormous contribution to the music of the English church [JQ]
Musica Warmiensis Vol 4 (Dux)
Fine performances of little-known music from 18th century Poland [JV]
Klaus Tennstedt (conductor): Live Vol 5 (Doremi)
Wonderful performances by a great conductor [PSt]
Karel Ančerl (conductor): Live Recordings – Concertos (Supraphon)
Concertos from Prague in a 7-CD box of Ančerl-directed broadcasts [JW]
Anna Lapwood (organ): Firedove (Sony)
Anna Lapwood’s new organ journey is inspiring – sit back and enjoy the ride [PH]
Bruckner: Symphony No 9 (Hallé)
Bruckner 9 with the finale well played by the Hallé but facing fierce competition [MC]
Haydn: Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) (Apex)
(Déjà Review) A very fine live recording which is up there with the best [GF]
Alwyn: Piano Concerto No 1 & 2 (Naxos)
(Déjà Review) Peter Donohoe positively laps up the considerable challenges thrown at him [TH]
